WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
526
troops advance or not. If they do not advance; if negotiations be opened; if we understand what the Mormons are really will- ing to do; that they are ready to acquiesce in the mandates of the Government, and render obedience to the Constitution; if you will take time to ascertain that, and not repudiate all idea of peace, we may have peace. But so sure as the troops advance, so sure they will be annihilated. You may treble them, and you will only add to the catastrophe, not diminish human suffering. These people expect nothing but extermination, or abuse more intolerable than even extermination would be, from your troops, and they will oppose them. We have a clear manifestation in a letter that was read here the other day of the course proposed to be taken by the command- ing officer there, against whom I wish to say nothing. I shall animadvert, however, as I may think fit, on the circumstances that were there disclosed. I believe I saw the letter; but I am not certain yet that I fully comprehend it. An act of civility was tendered by Brigham Young, and you might, if you please, con- strue it, under the circumstances, rather as an act of submission on his part. He sent salt to the troops, understanding that it was scarce there, and was selling at seven dollars a pint. As an act of humanity, thinking at least that it could not be regarded as discourteous, he sent a supply of salt requisite for the relief of the encampment, intimating to the commander that he could pay for it, if he would not accept of it as a present. What was the message the military officer sent him back? I believe the substance of it was that he would have no intercourse with a rebel, and that when they met they would fight. They will fight; and if they fight, he will get miserably whipped. That was a time to make peace with Brigham Young, because there is something potent in salt. With the Turk, who has similar habits and religion to the Mormons, it is the sacrament of perpetual friendship. Why may not the Mormons have incorporated that into their creed? But, instead of that, he sent him a taunt and defiance. Why could he not have said: "I will accept it as a present, or I will recompense you for it according to its value? I would rather see Brigham Young; and if he chooses to come to my encampment, I pledge him the honor of an officer that he shall go away unscathed if we come to no understanding; but if he wishes to acknowledge the authority of the United States, I am ready to receive that acknowledgment; and if the Government of the United States bids me, I will withdraw my troops." If he had sent that message, it would have been worthy of a mag- nanimous, generous soldier's mind and heart. As it was, he sent
Powered by FlippingBook